Morocco served as the vibrant backdrop for the December 2024 Lauder Culture Quest, beginning with a welcome dinner in the enchanting city of Marrakech. Six groups comprising a total of 50 students then dispersed to visit the opulent Bahia and El Badi Palaces, explore the bustling souks, and enjoy a hot air balloon ride. A street food tour highlighted local cuisine, while visits to the YSL Museum and Majorelle Garden provided insight into the city’s artistic heritage. Participants also engaged in hands-on experiences through pottery workshops and traditional cooking classes. Accommodations in riads offered a chance to experience Morocco’s distinctive architectural style.
Outside Marrakech, the diverse itineraries included visits to several key regions. The Dades Valley unfolded with its dramatic rock formations and ancient kasbahs, while a three-day road trip through the Sahara provided awe-inspiring desert views. Stops included the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, the film hub of Ouarzazate, and the serene Atlas Mountains. The journey continued to the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, where participants camped in the desert and explored the surrounding landscape on camels and ATVs.
Some groups also ventured to the coastal city of Essaouira and the urban centers of Casablanca and Rabat. In Chefchaouen, participants explored the iconic blue-painted streets of the town, with a farewell dinner in the ancient city of Fes marking the conclusion of the program.
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